N.C. philanthropists named to DNC committees

Gay businessmen are longtime Democratic supporters, have financial ties to national and local parties

CHARLOTTE — Three of North Carolina’s most well-known LGBT businessmen and philanthropists were named Tuesday to host and steering committees for Charlotte’s Democratic National Convention in 2012.

Bob Page. Photo Credit: Replacements, Ltd.

Hickory furniture-maker Mitchell Gold was named to the Charlotte in 2012 Steering Committee. Greensboro’s Bob Page and Dale Frederiksen of Replacements, Ltd., were named to the Charlotte in 2012 Host Committee.

Both Page and Gold have given generously to the Democratic National Committee, though Page leads in contributions. Page has contributed nearly $140,000 to the party since 2007, according to a quick review of Federal Elections Commission records available at OpenSecrets.org. From 2007 to 2009, Gold contributed $7,500 to the party. Both men and Frederiksen, Page’s partner, have also given varying amounts to the state Democratic Party and several Democratic candidates.

The 2012 steering committee will be chaired by former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt with an honorary chairmanship given to former North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt. The committee will serve in an advisory role to the staff and leadership of the Committee for Charlotte, the group originally formed to coordinate the city’s bid to host the DNC next September.

Co-chaired by Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx and Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers, the host committee’s honorary chairs are Gov. Bev Perdue and U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan. Host committee members will keep informed of progress on the convention and upcoming events. They will be charged with communicating to constituents and interest groups various opportunities to participate and engage in convention planning processes.

The Democratic National Convention stands to bring some 35,000 visitors and worldwide media attention to the Queen City in during Labor Day weekend, September 2012.

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